BPH: What to Know About Our 4 Treatment Options

There are more enlarged prostates in this country than there are people in the state of Ohio – as many as 14 million. And while there are no known ways to prevent the number from climbing, there are several successful and minimally invasive ways to treat them.

Nearly half of all men will experience symptoms of an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), by the age of 60. These symptoms commonly occur when tissue on either side of the prostate enlarges to the point of compressing the urethra, which runs through the gland from the bladder.

As a result, urine flow is obstructed. Men with BPH often experience difficulty starting to urinate, leakage, a weak urine stream and an urge to go frequently, particularly at night.

Fortunately, BPH is benign, but left untreated it can contribute to other issues, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder or kidney damage, kidney stones and incontinence. BPH is in fact the leading reason men visit urologists, which is why The Urology Group’s BPH Clinic offers state-of-the-art care.

TUG Offers the Leading BPH Treatments

Among the most advanced medical treatments our BPH team at The Urology Group provides:

• UroLift® System: This minimally invasive procedure does not involve the removal of prostate tissue and therefore does not require cutting. Instead, the physician inserts into each side of the prostate two small, binding implants that pull the tissue away from the urethra. UroLift is performed at our outpatient surgery center in Norwood, so overnight stays and catheters are not required. Patients may feel improvements within two weeks.

• GreenLight™ Laser Therapy: In this procedure, the physician uses a laser to vaporize obstructing prostate tissue. In the first step, the urologist inserts a small scope into the urethra to gain visibility to the prostate and bladder. The doctor then uses the laser fiber to eliminate the tissue. A temporary catheter may be needed to allow urine to drain from the bladder. Most patients are placed under anesthesia and experience improvements in urine flow within 24 hours.

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This surgical treatment is an option for men with moderate to severe BPH-related urinary problems that haven’t responded to medication. During the procedure, the physician inserts an instrument called a resectoscope through the urethra and to the prostate, where it trims away excess tissue. This surgery is usually performed under anesthesia, and a urinary catheter is often required for at least 24 to 48 hours.

• HoLEP: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is specialized for patients with significantly enlarged prostates, typically more than 50 grams in size. This minimally invasive procedure involves a laser that precisely removes the obstructing portion of the prostate, similar to open heart surgery but without incisions. Studies show HoLEP provides a lasting solution because there is nothing to grow back following the procedure.

Non-Medical treatments: Men with mildly enlarged prostates may find relief by modifying their diets and lifestyles and/or through oral medications. Alpha blockers, for example, can relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate, making it easier to urinate.

Questions? None are Too Small to Ask

There may be 14 million enlarged prostates in the country, but we treat each one based on the distinct needs of the patient. Men who experience symptoms of BPH should schedule a visit with a urologist to rule out prostate cancer and to possibly prevent other conditions – as well as to restore normal activities without worry.

Our doctors and patient navigators are here to answer questions and provide patients with the information to make the right treatment options.

Click here to contact our patient navigator with questions or to schedule a consultation.